At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination for exciting construction projects across various sectors.
- Company: Established regional contractor with a focus on innovative design and build.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and annual bonus opportunities.
- Other info: Office-based role with national travel for site visits.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of construction projects nationwide.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in construction design and stakeholder management required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Client: Tier 2 Main Contractor
Sector: D&B Industrial / Commercial / Motor Retail / Leisure / Education
Location: Office-Based, Warwickshire (with national project travel as required)
Engagement: Permanent
Salary/Package: Up to £70k + £5k car allowance + discretionary annual bonus (typically £5k–£10k)
Start: ASAP – subject to successful interview
We are working on behalf of a well-established regional Design & Build main contractor to appoint a Design Manager to join their growing team and support the delivery of multiple live projects across the UK. The business delivers fast-paced, steel frame-led construction projects across a range of sectors including:
- Industrial & logistics
- Motor retail
- Commercial
- Education
- Retail & leisure
- Social care
The Role
This position will take responsibility for managing the design coordination process across 2–3 live projects at any one time. Working under JCT D&B contracts, the Design Manager will act as the key link between client-side consultants and subcontract design teams throughout the project lifecycle.
You will:
- Coordinate consultant and subcontract design packages from inception through to completion
- Ensure design information is delivered in line with programme
- Chair and manage design team meetings
- Monitor progress against design release schedules
- Manage RFIs and resolve design queries
- Liaise closely with Commercial & Project teams
- Support value engineering opportunities
- Ensure design compliance with statutory approvals and accreditations (e.g. Building Regs, planning, BREEAM)
- Maintain strong working relationships with external consultants and subcontractors
- Oversee design-related risks and buildability challenges
The role will also involve:
- Supporting pre-construction activity including tender reviews
- Managing design progress on live sites
- Supporting project completion and handover documentation
Key Environment
Office-based role in Warwickshire
National travel for site visits as required
Typically managing shell & core / steel frame projects
Working closely with novated consultants
Salary & Package
Salary negotiable – up to £70k (dependent on experience)
£5k car allowance
Annual discretionary bonus typically £5k–£10k
Ideal Background
This opportunity would suit a Design Manager currently working within:
- Industrial / logistics construction
- Commercial build environments
- Steel frame / fast-track projects
- Main contractor delivery roles
Experience working under Design & Build contracts is essential. Typically, we are looking for candidates with 10–15 years of diverse building experience and a solid grounding in construction design, detailing, and stakeholder management.
Please apply with your up-to-date CV, full contact details (including postcode) and availability to arrange a call to: (url removed)
Paid Referral Scheme – up to £500* If you can recommend a suitable candidate who results in a successful permanent placement, we offer a referral fee of up to £500 (*T&Cs apply)
Design Manager employer: Kingdom Search
Join a well-established regional Design & Build main contractor in Warwickshire, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With competitive salaries, generous car allowances, and discretionary bonuses, this role offers not only financial rewards but also significant opportunities for professional growth and development across diverse sectors. Experience the unique advantage of working on national projects while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering excellence in construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Kingdom Search, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Kingdom Search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingdom Search
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
